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Lifelong Demopolis resident and businessman Woody Collins announced Friday his candidacy for mayor of Demopolis.

Collins is a former member of the city council, serving for two terms. He has been involved in numerous government, civic and community organizations over the years, including serving as president of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and chairman of the Demopolis Industrial Development Board.

“As a lifelong resident, I have been fortunate to be heavily involved in our community for over 30 years. I believe I have a good feel for the overall community,” Collins said.

Collins was recognized as the DACC’s annual Lifetime Achievement Award and his business, Collins Communications, was named that organization’s Business of the Year. He was the Citizen of the Year in 2001.

He said serving as the city’s mayor is something he has contemplated for years.

“I’ve considered this for the past 12 years, the past three elections. Due to personal and business obligations it was never a good fit. But, now is the right time,” he said.

“My wife, two sons, and myself are all products of the Demopolis City School System and both of our sons were born right here at Whitfield Regional Hospital. With this background, I honestly believe I understand and appreciate our community and the needs of the people who are its heartbeat. If I’m fortunate enough to be elected mayor, I will be backing away from my family-owned company duties and devoting myself full time to the citizens of our community,” Collins said.

Collins said one of his focuses if elected would be the creation and retention of jobs.  “As chairman of the Industrial Development Board I helped to bring several successful business ventures to our community, bringing with them much-needed jobs. I feel I have done (business recruitment) and I’m good at it,” he said.

He realizes campaigning this summer will be unlike those in the past, considering the coronavirus pandemic. “I will do everything I can to reach out to people and make myself accessible to anyone who wants to talk to me. At the same time, I want to be cognizant of everyone’s health.”

“It appears the coming years are going to be extremely challenging, but with a united community, the spirit of Demopolis will prevail,” he said. “Over the coming months, hopefully I will have the opportunity to meet with our residents and get their advice and input. I’m thankful for their consideration as each every resident is an important part of the community and their input is important to me.”

The Demopolis municipal election will be held August 25.